U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Down 23 Percent in January
CLEVELAND – U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (“lakers”) carried 2.3 million tons of dry-bulk cargo on the Great Lakes in January, a decrease of 23 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore cargos decreased 20 percent. Coal loadings tumbled 68 percent. However, shipments of limestone rose nearly 75 percent.
As February begins, most lakers are in lay-up and undergoing maintenance and modernization, but one cement carrier and two liquid-bulk tug/barge units were in service as of February 1. LCA members will invest upwards of $110 million in their vessels in 2016.